An outstanding looking individual, that’s the only way to describe Duke of Darkness. This colt has all the makings of fantastic two-year-old prospect; size, conformation, athleticism & pedigree. On top of that, he is an Ohio Bred, making him eligible for a super state bred program that provides extra value in a market that is not typically as competitive on the track as others.

Duke of Darkness is by one of the most solid stallions ever to stand at stud in Kentucky, NORTHERN AFLEET. A multiple Grade 2 winner of $626,671 on the track, Northern Afleet was durable on the track with 21 starts under his belt through age 4 when retired to stud. He has been even more prolific at stud, siring 76 stakes winners and 7 Champions with progeny earnings of almost $80,000,000 to date! He is renowned for his versatility and consistency as a stallion with Grade 1 winners & Champions on dirt & turf. Unfortunately, this stalwart in the breeding shed was diagnosed with severe gastrointestinal disease in the summer of 2018 and was euthanized on June 1, 2018. Duke of Darkness is part of his second to last crop :

Labeled a “Value Sire” by Bill Oppenheim — The only stallion in North America standing for under $10,000 to sire at least one Grade 1 winner in eight of the last 10 years

Largest crop of yearlings in past five years in 2018

Duke of Darkness impresses just as much on the female side. His first dam, Dark Darling, was a stakes-placed winner of $43,275 on the track. She is a full sister to RIVER RUNS DEEP, a 20 time winner & multiple stakes winner that earned $1,187,945 on the track while racing from age 2-7. He also set new track records at Belterra Park for both 1 1/16 miles (in 1:44.20) and 6 furlongs (in 1:08.44). Quite the model of consistency, versatility, speed and durability! Duke of Darkness’s 2nd dam was the multiple winner Music Miss. She is the dam of 8 winners. In addition to the aforementioned RIVER RUNS DEEP, she is the dam of 4 other stakes-placed runners; Classical Music, Best Air, Sheza Runaway Star & Dark Darling. Lot’s of stakes horses under the 3rd dam as well, including multiple stakes-winner & 16 time (and still going) overall winner of $639,338 ALTISSIMO.

Click the pedigree button to the right or below (depending on the device you are viewing this on) to see the full pedigree!

Duke of Darkness is currently in training at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, KY. He is being trained by Danny Werre. Danny is an outstanding, caring horseman that has broke and trained numerous Dare To Dream Stable horses over the years. The colt will run primarily on the Ohio (Belterra, Park, Mahoning Valley & Thistledown) & Kentucky (Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Turfway Park & Kentucky Downs) circuits with forays to other tracks when sensible. We’re aiming to have him ready to run in late May of 2020.